Posted by NSA on 6/18/04 12:35pm
Msg #3196

Strengthening our position against becoming "attorney only"

In California, notaries must pass an exam to obtain a commission. The exam is not easy.

A group of notaries in Northern Calif recently got the Secretary of State their to require continuing education hours each year in between the exams to get/renew commissions.

I think this is VERY smart.

By having notaries that are very well trained, California NSAs can argue effectively against attorneys who want to take over their careers under the guise of notary incompetence. Calif notaries also know where the line is regarding the Unauthorized Practice of Law and they are careful not to cross it and jeopardize their commissions and status.

I used to be a notary in California and there is a much higher quality of work in California than I have seen in my new no-exam-required state. Nothing against my sister notaries here - it is just that there is very little training available and no regulatory incentive to study.

I have started talking with my state's Secretary of State office about requiring exams for commissions. If your state does not require an exam, you might consider getting the rules changed in your state, too, to strenghten your state against going Attorney Only.

If you know any of these California Bay Area notaries who spearheaded the new regulation, would you please ask them to contact me at [e-mail address] ? I'd love to get tips! Thanks!

Reply by CA_Notary on 6/18/04 1:39pm
Msg #3198

I found the California notary exam to be very easy. It's only 30 multiple choice questions based on a 40 page booklet.

Reply by NSA on 6/18/04 5:18pm
Msg #3204

Saving our careers was the point of the post

Yes, the exam is easy if you have studied and especially easy if you have been a notary. Even attorneys have to study to pass the exam. As you know, regulations are often contrary to common sense.

Now can we get back to strategizing about holding onto our careers?

Reply by Lawrence Goodwin on 6/19/04 8:45am
Msg #3220

Re: Saving our careers was the point of the post

I agree totally, regulate, regulate, and regulate some more. Then force regulate the continuing education and UP GOES MY FEES!